Photographic processing machine



P 25, 1967 P. ROSENBERG PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 21, 1965 M, M MM T 5 5; MY

\\ Q Q Q A 1 s F NW w, WW 9 fw r y m W 3 W 2 ml J Wm Sept. 26, 1967 P. ROSENBERG PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSING MACHINE Filed Jan. 21, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 MK L A 1 F 4 1 i x J 1 1 Hm I La m J 7 1 I NVE NTOR, $3 227 /7dJe7zZ: 2'7.

p 26, 1967 P. ROSENBERG 3,343,472

PHOTOGRAPHIG PROCESS ING MACHINE Filed Jan. 21, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 I NVENTOR.

9 7 FIVE/i P 1967 P. ROSENBERG PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. 21, 1965 4/ 7 s 2 m w 3 a L 17 United States Patent 3,343,472 PHQTOGRAPHIC PROCESSING MACHlNE Philip Rosenberg, 23131 Sussex,

Oak Park, Mich. 48237 Filed Jan. 21, 1965, Ser. No. 426,759 6 Claims. (Cl. 9594) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLGSURE This application discloses a machine for developing exposed films through sequential insertion in aligned, horizontally disposed tanks containing different chemicals. A horizontal transverse drive transports the film in a horizontal direction through each tank for controlling the time the film is present in each tank. Vertical transfer means are positioned between the respective tanks for lifting the film from one tank and depositing it in the next tank as the film reaches the end of the first tank. A common driving motor is coupled to the horizontal transfer means and to the vertical transfer means for intermittently driving each transfer means. The vertical transfer means is driven through a complete cycle during each operation of the motor and travels at a much higher rate of speed than the horizontal transfer means. A structure is disclosed for controlling the time delay between the intermittent operation of the driving motor so as to permit adjustment of the overall time the film spends in each tank. In addition, a mechanism is provided for periodically replenishing the mixture in the tanks dependent upon the number of films processed and for maintaining an agitating stream of gas in at least one of the tanks as long as film is being processed in this tank.

This invention relates generally to processing machines and more particularly to an improved, fully automated processing machine and a transport system for moving processed pieces through various chemical baths of the machine.

It has been proposed to provide an automatic mechanism for treating a piece in successiveo chemical baths. Such machines may be used for developing exposed photographic and X-ray films or for plating pieces of metal. In the first mentioned use film is transported by a conveying system through the various chemical baths required for the developing process. The machines heretofore proposed for this purpose have not been completely satisfactory for several reasons. In many of the machines that previously have been proposed, the conveying system is immersed in the chemical baths. As the exposed film is transported between the various tanks, the chemical baths in them is depleted by the conveyor since it can'ies the solution from the tanks. The solution is also transmitted by the conveyor to the next successive tank resulting in alteration of the chemical composition in adjacent tanks. It is additionally necessary to rapidly immerse and withdraw the individual films from the various baths, particularly when large films are being developed, to insure that the entire surface of the film is exposed within the bath for substantially the same length of time. It is necessary, however, to immerse the film in the various baths for different lengths of time. The conveying mechanisms heretofore proposed have been incapable of rapidly inserting and withdrawing the film as well as controlling the time it remains within the bath. Periodically the solutions within the individual baths must be replenished to increase their strength. Heretofore, this has been done manually, decreasing the degree of automation of the machine.

In accordance with this invention, a processing machine comprises a plurality of adjacent, spaced tanks in which various chemical baths are contained. A horizontal trans- "ice fer drive is provided for transporting pieces in a horizontal direction when immersed in the individual tanks. A vertical transfer system is additionally provided for inserting and withdrawing the pieces from the individual tanks. The vertical transfer system is operated at a much higher rate of speed than the horizontal transfer mechanism. Means are provided to transfer the pieces from the horizontal transfer mechanism to the vertical transfer mechanism so that they may be successively transferred between the chemical baths.

Accordingly, an important object of this invention is a fully automated processing mechanism.

A further object is an improved mechanism for transporting pieces between the individual baths of an automatic chemical processing machine.

Another object of the invention is a transporting system for a processing machine that rapidly inserts and withdraws the pieces into and from successive chemical baths and accurately times the immersion of the piece within the individual baths.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent when considered in conjunction with the appended claims, detailed description, and drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view with portions broken away of an automatic film developing machine embodying this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 22 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged, perspective view showing one of the limit switches of the developing machine; and

FIGURE 6 is a partial, schematic wiring diagram of the developing machine.

In the drawings an automatic film developing machine is shown as a preferred embodiment of this invention. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed machine may be used to treat any typeof piece in successive chemical baths.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, a developing machine embodying this invention comprises a frame, indicated generally by the reference numeral 11. The frame 11, which is substantially the same at each side of the machine and, therefore, only one side will be described in detail, includes a channel shaped base member 12 and a channel shaped top member 13. The base member 12 and top member 13 are fixed relative to each other by upright channel members 14 and 15 that are fixed to the members 12 and 13 by rivets, bolts or the like, 16. Transverse, channel shaped members 17 extend across the base members 12 at each side of the frame 11 and are afiixed thereto as by welding. A pair of longitudinally extending box-shaped members 18 are affixed to the tops of the channel shaped members 17. A developer tank 19, a short stop tank 21, a fixer tank 22 and a wash tank 23 are positioned in side-by-side relationship upon the box-shaped members 18. The tanks 19, 21, 22 and 23 have generally rectangular cross-sectional shape although their lengths in the direction of the box-shaped members 18 are different for reasons which will become apparent as this description proceeds. It is to be understood that the illustrated tank arrangement is exemplary only since other types or numbers of tanks containing other solutions may be employed.

Individual exposed films 24 are supported upon a film hanger bar, indicated generally by the reference numeral 25 and shown in more detail in FIGURES 2, 3 and 5. The film hanger bar 25 comprises a transverse rod of square cross section 26 having inverted V-shaped sheet metal members 27 affixed to each end thereof. Film hangers or clips 28 are fixed to each side of the rod 26 adjacent to the V-shaped members 27. The clips 28 grippingly engage the film 24 at the upper corners thereof. If desired, clips having weighted ends 29 may be affixed to the lower edges of the film 24 (FIGURE 2) to insure that the film 24 will hang straight and in a vertical direction.

The films 24 are moved horizontally along the developing machine by a pair. of horizontal transfer chains 31 that are supported at each side of the'developing machine. 7

The transfer chains 31 encircle a pair of sprockets 32 7 that aresupported at each side of the developing machine upon shafts 33 that extend transversely across the machine. The ends of the shafts 33 are supported by guide rails 34 that are affixed to the vertical channel shaped members and a similar channel shaped member 35 positioned adjacent the left hand side of the machine as viewed in FIGURE 1. Other similar shafts 33 are positioned at the ends of the tanks 19, 21, 22 and 23 in a position that will not interfere with the passage of the film 24. Drive sprockets 36 engage the underside of the transfer chains 31 between the longitudinal ends thereof to drive the chains 31. The drive sprockets 36 are keyed or otherwise fixed to the shaft 33 upon which they'are supported while the sprockets 32 are journaled for rotation on their respective shafts 33. The drive sprockets 36 are driven in any suitable manner as will be described.

The horizontal transfer chains 31 have a plurality of equally spaced upstanding bars 37 affxed to or formed integral with its inner links, that is'the links that are adjacent to the tanks 19, 21, 22 and 23. The bars 37 are po sitioned inwardly of the sprockets 32 so that they will not interfere with the operation of these sprockets or that of the drive sprocket 36.

Fourpairs of vertical transfer chains 38, 39, 40 and 41 are positioned adjacent the leading edges of the tanks 19, 21, 22 and 23 at each side of the machine. The vertical transfer chains 38, 39, 40 and 41 engage sprockets 42 at their lower ends and sprockets 43 at their upper ends. The lower sprocket 42 that engages the transfer chain 38 is fixed to the ends of its respective shaft 33 while the other sprockets 42 are journaled for rotation on the outer end of the shafts 33, one of which also supports the drive sprockets 36. The sprockets 43 are jour naled upon the top channel members 13.'The remaining sprockets 42 rotate relative to the shafts 33 and sprockets 36, however, since the vertical transfer chains 38, 39, 40 and 41 move at a greater linear rate than the horizontal transfer chains 31. Timing chains 44 engage smaller sprockets 45 that are affixed to the outer ends of the sprockets 42 at each side of the machine to insure that the vertical transfer chains will all move at the same rate of speed. The vertical transfer chains 38, 39, 40 and 41 may be driven from any suitable power source and may be driven from the same power source that drives the horizontal transfer chain 31 so that all of the chains will be moved in unison. It is important, however, to note that the vertical transfer chains 38, 39, 40 and 41 move at a considerably higher rate of speed than does the horizontal transfer chain 31 as will become more apparent as this description proceeds.

A single pick-up pin 46 is affixed to 'each of the vertical transfer'chains 38, 3 9, 40 and 41 (FIGURES 2, 3 and 5). The relative rate of travel between the horizontal transfer chains 31 and the vertical chains 38, 39, 40 and 41 is such that the pick-up pin 46 will be aligned with the leading edge of the horizontal transfer chains 31 each time a bar 37 is presented to the vertical transfer chains 38, 39, 40 and 41. The reason for this will become more apparent as this description proceeds.

Vertical unloading chains 47 are positioned at the left hand end of the machine at each side of the frame 11. The unloading chains 47 are wound around sprockets 48 that are driven by smaller sprockets 49. The sprockets 49 are driven by the timing chains 44 that correlate the movement of the vertical transfer chains 38, 39, 40 and 41. The vertical unloading chains 47 therefore move at the same rate of speed as the vertical transfer chains. The

'upper end of the vertical unloading chains 47 engage sprockets 51 and 52 that are journaled upon the channel members 13 of the frame 11. The lower end of the vertical unloading chains 47, which are positioned below the horizontal transfer chain 31, engage sprockets 53 that are journaled upon a shaft 54 that extends transversely across the machine. Idler sprockets 55 that are journaled on the members 35 also engage the vertical unloading chains 47. The length of the vertical unloading chains 47 divided by the length of the vertical transfer chains is a whole integer and a number of bars similar to the bars 37 that are positioned upon the vertical transfer chains 38, 39, 40 and 41 and equal to this integer are equally spaced along the length of the vertical unloading chain 47.

A light shield in the form of three spaced vertically extending baflles 56, 57 and 58'is provided at the left hand or unloading side of the developing machine. The batlle 56 is affixed between the top members 13 of the frame 11, depends over the tank 23 and terminates just slightly above the liquid level in it. The bafile 57 extends upwardly from the base member 12. The baffle 57 is spaced above the bottom of the baflle 56 so that light cannot be transmitted either directly or by reflection from the exterior of the machine into the developing area. The baffle 57 is sufliciently low, however, to per-' mit the fihn 24 to pass over it. The baffle 58 depends from the channel shaped members 13 and is positioned adjacent to an unloading and drying area, indicated generally by the reference numeral 59.

Horizontal unloading chains 61 extend across the unloading and drying area 59 at each side of the frame 11 below a fan and heater assembly 62 that is positioned at the upper end of the left hand end of the frame 11. The horizontal unloading chains 61 engage sprockets 63- and 64. The sprockets 63 are driven by chains 65 which are driven by sprockets that are afiixed to the sprockets 32 at the left hand end of the horizontal transfer chain 31. The horizontal unloading transfer chain 61, therefore, will be moved at the same rate of speed as the horizontal transfer chain 31. The chains 6'1 also are provided with bars that project from their links similar to the bars 37 of the chains 31 for transporting the film through the unloading area'59. An inclined unloading ramp 66 is positioned at each side of the frame 11 in the unloading area 59.

-In operation, films 24 which have been clipped to the hanger bars 25 are positioned upon the horizontal transfer chain 31 at the right hand or loading side of the machine. A number of films may be loaded at one time due to the length of the chain 31 in the loading area. The bars 37 of the horizontal transfer chain 31 engage the rod 26 and transport it and the film 24 horizontally along the machine (solid line view of FIGURE-2 and FIG- URE 3) intermittently and at a low rate of speed. When a hanger bar 25 reaches the first vertical transfer chains. 38, the pins 46 carried thereby will be in position to engage the inverted V-shaped sheet metal members 27 and lift the film 24 and hanger bar 2 5 from the horizontal transfer chain 31. Because of the V-shape of the sheet metal members and the more rapid movement of the vertical transfer chains 38 no interference will occur during this transfer. After the film hanger bar 25 is carried over the upper sprockets 43, it will be deposited upon the rails 34 and immersed into the developer tank'19. The hanger -bar 25 will remain stationary upon the rail 34 until contacted by a bar 37. It then will be transferred from the vertical transfer chains 38 to the horizontal transfer chain 31. The film moves horizontally through the developer tank 19 until the vertical transfer chain 39 is reached. It should be readily apparent that the time the film 24 spends in the developer tank 19 will be dependent upon the rate of travel of the horizontal transfer chain 31 and the width of the developer tank 19. When the hanger assembly 25 reaches the vertical transfer chain 39 it will again be transferred to vertical movement as it was at the vertical transfer chain 38. Because of the more rapid movement of the vertical transfer chains, the film is withdrawn and inserted much more rapidly than its movement in the horizontal direction. The progress of the film down the remainder of the developing machine ap pears to be obvious and will not be described in detail. At the end of the wash tank 23 the hanger assembly 25 is lifted by the pins upon the vertical unloading chain 47 and passed through the light shield formed by the baffles 56, 57 and 58. Adjacent to the baffie 58, the hanger assembly 25 is deposited upon the horizontal unloading chain 61 where it will be contacted by one of its bars and carried to the left hand side of the machine. If an operator is not present to unload the film and hanger assemblies 25, they will stack upon the inclined unloading ramp 66.

The machine provides an automatic mechanism for periodically adding to the chemicals in the tanks 19, 21 and 22 to strengthen their mixture and replenish any chemicals that may be dissipated therefrom and for intermittently driving the various transfer chains. Means are additionally provided to periodically release nitrogen in the form of small bubbles in the tank 19 to agitate the developer when a film '24 is present in the tank .19. The control system also includes a mechanism for counting the number of films that are developed by the machine. FIGURE 6 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram of the control system for accomplishing the aforementioned ob-' jects.

Referring now to FIGURE 6, the numerals 77 and 78 identify a pair of conductors that are connected by means of a double pole switch 79 to a source of line current 81. A drive motor :82 for intermittently driving the horizontal and vertical transfer chains through a suitable speed reducing mechanism is wired across the conductors 78 and 79 by conductors 83 and 84. A master control switch 85 for the motor is positioned in the conductor 83 to disable the circuit, if desired. The motor 82 is driven intermittently so that a practical size machine will be possible. The motor 82 operates continuously for a complete cycle of the vertical transfer chains 38, 39, 40 and 41, however, so that the films will be rapidly inserted and withdrawn to and from the tanks 19, 21, 22 and 23.

The intermittent drive for the motor 82 is accomplished by a microswitch 86 that is connected in circuit with a time delay mechanism 87. The time delay mechanism 87 is adjustable to vary the period during which the motor 82 is at rest. The motor 82 operates in the following manner: When the switch 85 is closed the motor 82 begins to operate and will drive the chains for a period of time until a pin that is carried by the vertical transfer chain 38 engages the microswitch 86. Preferably the microswitch 86 is engaged just prior to the time that the hanger assemblies 25 are deposited upon the horizontal transfer chain 31. When the switch 86 is engaged the current to motor 82 is stopped. The motor 82 will decelerate and slowly drop the hanger assembly 25 upon the guide rails 34. The time delay circuit 87 is then set in motion and the motor 82 remains idle for a period of time depending upon the setting of the time delay mechanism 87. The motor 82 is again driven after the time dwell set by the time delay mechanism 87.

It should be clear, therefore, that the chain which transports the film 24 is driven intermittently. The intermittent operation permits a shorter length of the tanks 19, 21, 22 and 23 than would be possible if the film were transported continuously. The motor 82 operates, however, during one complete cycle of the vertical transfer chains 38, 39,

6 40 and 41 so that the films will be rapidly withdrawn and inserted from the various chemical baths.

A water control mechanism 88 is also wired across the conductors 77 and 78 and a switch 89 is provided for an on and off control for the water. The device 88 controls and maintains a circulation of cold tap water through the wash tank 23 at all times when the machine is in operation.

Temperature control devices and circulating pumps, schematically shown at 91, are also wired in circuit across the conductors 77 and 78. The temperature control devices and pumps 91 maintain a uniform temperature of the solutions within the tanks 19, 21 and 22 and continuously circulates the solutions through them in any known manner.

The fan and heater assembly 62 positioned in the unloading area 59 is also wired in circuit across the conductors 77 and 78 as indicated generally by the reference numeral 92. The fan motor is identified by the reference numeral 93 and the heater coil is indicated by the reference numeral 94. A switch mechanism, indicated by the reference numeral 95, is provided so that the fan 93 may be operated independently of the heater 94. The heater 94, however, cannot be operated without concurrent operation of the fan 93.

As has been noted, it is necessary to periodically replenish the solution within the tanks 19, 21 and 22. The tank 19, which contains the developing fluid, has two separate types of developers. It is preferable to defer mixture of these developers until they are actually dispensed into the developer tank 19. Therefore, two separate controls are provided for the tank 19. The replenishing controls for the developer are indicated by the reference numerals 96 and 97 in FIGURE 6. The control for replenishing the short stop tank is indicated by the reference numeral 98 and the control for replenishing the fixer tank 22 is indicated by the reference numeral 99. The devices 96, 97, 98 and 99 are three-way valves which coact with a reservoir (not shown) .measured containers (not shown), and the tanks 19, 21 and 22. When the valves are in a first position, the measured containers are filled from larger reservoirs. When the valves are in a second position, the measured containers are emptied into the tanks 19, 21 and 22. Means are provided so that the containers may be emptied any given number of times into the tanks in a given cycle and thus the amount of replenishment may be adjusted. Thisadjustment means includes a multiple position switch, indicated generally by the reference numeral 101. The multi-position switch 101 has contacts 102, 103, 104, and so on. A wiper arm 105 may be manually set atone of the contacts 102, 103, 104, etc., to alter the number of replenishing cycles as will become apparent. The wiperswitch 105 i connected in circuit with a relay coil 106 by a conductor 107. The other side of the relay coil 106 is connected in circuit with the conductor 78 by a conductor 108. The terminals 102, 103, 104, etc., are connected by conductors 109, 111 and 112, etc., with corresponding terminals 113, 114, and 115 of a stepping switch assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 116 and having a wiper arm 117. The wiper arm 117 is wired in circuit with the conductor 77 by a conductor 118. At its home terminal 119 the wiper 117 is connected in circuit with a relay coil 121 by a conductor 122. The other side of the relay coil 121 is in circuit with the conductor 78 by a conductor 123.

A timer 124 having a pair of contacts 125 and 126 that are operated by cams of the timer 124 is wired across the conductors 77 and 78 by conductors 127 and 128. The timer 124 has a cam that closes the contact 125 for a given time interval and opens it for a given time interval and also has a cam that closes the contact 126 for a given time interval and opens it for a given time interval. One side of the contact 125 is in circuit with the conductor 78 by means of a conductor 129 and the other side is adapted to contact a contact that is in circuit with 7 r a solenoid valve 131 that periodicallyreleases a nitrogen burst into the developer tank 19 to insure agitation of the developer within the tank 19. Solenoid valve 131 IS in series with a switch 132 that provides an on and off control for the nitrogen burst. Another switch 133 that is controlled by a cam mechanism 134 is also wired in circuit with the solenoid valve 131. The switch 133 is in circuit with the conductor 77 by means of a conductor 135. l

The three-way valves of the replenishers 96, 97, 98, 99, are actuated by an electrical means that has a first open terminal 136 and a'second closed terminal 137, each of which is adapted to be engaged by the contact 126 that is driven by the timer 124. The terminal 137 is also connected to a contact 138 that is actuated by the relay coil 106. The contact 138 is adapted to engage a terminal 139 or a terminal 141. The terminal 141 is wired in circuit with a reset solenoid 142 that ha the function of returning the wiper 117 of the stepping switch 116 to its home terminal 119. The terminal 139 is in circuit with a stepping solenoid 143 that isoperative to advance the wiper contact 117 on a step-by-s'tep basis through any suitable ratchet mechanism as will become more apparent as this description proceeds.

The solenoids 142 and 143 are wired in circuit with the conductor 78 by a conductor 144. The terminal 139 is also connected in circuit with a counter solenoid 145 and a subtracting solenoid 146 by a conductor 147. The other ends of the counter 145 and the subtracting solenoid 146 are wired in circuit with the conductor 78 by a conductor 148. Cne contact of a microswitch 149 is wired in circuit with the conductor 77 by a conductor 151. The contact 149, which is normally open, may engage the conductor 147 to provide current to the terminal 139.

An add solenoid 152 is wired in circuit with the conductor 78 by a conductor 153 and in circuit with the con ductor 77 by a conductor 154 in which a normally open microswitch 155 is positioned. The add and subtract solenoids 152 and 146 step the cam 134 in opposite directions as will become more apparent.

Operation of the electrical cntr0[s When a system is operating, hanger bar assemblies 25 will transport film along the machine. The individual hanger bar assemblies 25 move from the loading area to the vertical transfer chain 38. When a hanger bar assembly 25 is carried over the sprocket 43 by the vertical transfer chain 38, it will contact a microswitch, indicated generally by the reference numeral 156 in FIGURE 5,

and by the contact 155 in FIGURE 6. When the contact 155 is closed, current will flow through the add solenoid 152 to advance the cam mechanism 134 away from its home position. When this occurs, the switch 133 will be closed so that the solenoid valve 131 may be energized if the switch 132 and contact 125 are closed. The timer mechanism 124 which has been continuously operating, will periodically close the contact 125 to permit current to flow through the solenoid valve 131 so that nitrogen may be bubbled through the developer tank 19. The nitrogen burst in the developer tank will be intermittent in operation because of the periodic opening and closing of the contact 125 by the timer 124.

If additional films pass into the developer tank 19, the microswitch 155 will be closed the same number of times as the number of films that are deposited. The'cam mechanism 134, therefore, will he stepped the number of times equal to the number of films that pass into the developer tank 19. When the films and hanger bar assemblies 25 are withdrawn from the developer tank 19 by the vertical transfer chain 39, another microswitch having the contact 149 is contacted. The microswitch may be the same as that shown in FIGURE 5. When the contact 149 is closed, current will flow through the counter solenoid 145 to indicate that a film has been developed and current will flow through the subtract solenoid 146. The subtract solenoid'146 steps the cam 134ba'ckward one step through a suitable ratchet mechanism (not shown). If only one film has entered the developer tank 19,'the cam mechanism 134 will be returned to its home position and the switch 133 will be opened and the nitrogen burst will stop. If more than one film has entered the tank, the cam mechanism 134 will not be returned to its home position until all of the films have passed the developer tank. Therefore, the nitrogen burst will continue through the developer tank 19 as long as films are present in it.

The microswitch 149 is also utilized to replenish the solutions within the tanks 19, 21 and 22. .The solutions in these tanks require replenishment each time a film is passed through them. The amount of replenishment may be adjusted by altering the volume of the containers that are operated by the replenishing devices 96, 97, 98 and 99 and by changing the setting of the multi-position switch 101. The multi-position switch 101 varies the number of times that the measured containers are emptied into the tanks 19, 21 and 22 in a given cycle. For the purposes of description, it will be assumed that it is desired to empty the containers twice into the tanks.

The Wiper 105 of the multi-position switch 101 is positioned at the terminal 103, which is the second terminal. When the microswitch 149 is closed, current will flow through the stepping solenoid 143 via the conductor 147. When the solenoid 143 is energized, the wiper 117 of the stepping switch 116 is moved from its home position 119 to the terminal 113 by a suitable ratchet mechamoves the contact 126 into engagement with the terminal 137 the replenishing devices 96, 97, 98 and 99 are operated to empty the measured containers into the tanks 19, 21 and 22. When the contact 126 is opened by the timer 124, the solenoid valves actuated by it Will close and the measured containers will be refilled by the reservoir to which they are attached. When the timer 124 again closes the contact 126 into engagement with the terminal 137, the replenishing devices 96, 97, 98 and 99 again are actuated to empty their contents of the measured containers into the tanks. Current will flow through the advance solenoid 143 to move the wiper 117 of the stepping switch 116 into contact with the terminal 114. Since the contact 114 is wired to the contact 103 of the multi-position switch 101 by the conductor 111 and since the terminal 105 of this switch is in' contact with this terminal, a current will flow through the conductor 111, terminal 105, conductor 107, and relay 106. Whenthe relay 106 experiences current flow, its contact 138 will be moved into engagement with the terminal 141. Current will then flow through the reset solenoid 142 to re- 0 plenis'hing device. It should be readily apparent that the setting of the multi-position switch 101 alters the number of cycles through which the replenishing devices 96,

97, 98 and 99 are operated in the aforementioned manner.

It may be desired to control the replenishment of the tanks 19, 21 and 22 manually. For this purpose, a manually operated switch 157 is wired in parallel with the microswitch 149 by a conductor 158. When the switch 157 is closed, the advancing solenoid 143 will experience current flow in the same manner as if the microswitch 149 has been closed. The replenishing system will then operate in the aforementioned manner for the number of cycles set by the multiposition switch 101.

While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A chemical processing machine comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced tanks for containing chemical baths,

horizontal transfer means for moving a piece horizontally through each of said tanks,

a plurality of vertical transfer means for withdrawing the workpieces from the horizontal transfer means and a respective tank and for inserting the pieces into the next adjacent tank and transferring the pieces back to the horizontal transfer means,

a single driving motor coupled to said horizontal transfer means and to said vertical transfer means for driving said transfer means simultaneously, and

control means for intermittently operating said driving motor for driving said vertical transfer means through a substantially complete cycle simultaneously with driving of said horizontal transfer means.

2. A chemical processing machine comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced tanks for containing chemical baths,

horizontal transfer means for moving a piece horizontally through each of said tanks,

a plurality of vertical transfer means for withdrawing the workpieces from the horizontal transfer means and a respective tank and for inserting the pieces into the next adjacent tank and transferring the pieces back to the horizontal transfer means,

a single driving motor coupled to said horizontal transfer means and to said vertical transfer means for driving said transfer means simultaneously and intermittently, said last named means being intermittently operative to drive said vertical transfer means through a complete cycle of their movement and said horizontal transfer means through only a small portion of its movement, and

means for establishing a variable dwell period between successive operations of said last named means.

3. A chemical processing machine as set forth in claim 2 further including means responsive to the transfer of a workpiece by one of the vertical transfer means for adding a selected amount of chemical to at least one of the tanks.

4. A chemical processing machine as set forth in claim 3 further including a means for bubbling a gas through the chemical bath in at least one of the tanks to agitate the bath therein in response to the presence of a workpiece therein.

5. A film developing machine comprising a plurality fo longitudinally spaced tanks containing developing chemical baths,

horizontal transfer means for moving a film horizontally through each of said tanks,

a plurality of vertical transfer means for withdrawing the film from the horizontal transfer means and a respective tank and for inserting the film into the next adjacent tank and for transferring the film back to the horizontal transfer means,

means for driving said transfer means simultaneously,

first counting means responsive to the insertion of films into one of said tanks by one of said vertical transfer means for counting the number of films inserted into said one of said tanks and for releasing a stream of gas into said tank to agitate the chemical contained therein, and

second counting means responsive to the withdrawal of films from said one of said tanks by one of said vertical transfer means for counting the number of films withdrawn from said one of said tanks and when the numbers counted by said counting means coincide, means for stopping the stream of gas.

6. A chemical processing machine for sequentially inserting and withdrawing a piece to and from successive longitudinally spaced tanks containing treating chemicals comprising a pair of horizontal transfer chains at opposite sides of said tanks,

means for supporting the treated pieces,

means on said horizontal transfer means for engaging said supporting means and moving said supporting means horizontally along the machine,

pairs of vertical transfer chains at the leading and trailing edges of each of said tanks for withdrawing the pieces from the tanks at the trailing edge thereof and depositing the pieces in the next adjacent tank at the leading edge thereof,

a single pin carried by each of said vertical transfer chains,

means on said supporting means adapted to be interengaged by said pins for vertical transfer of said supporting means by said vertical transfer chains, and

a single driving means for driving all of said chains sequentially and intermittently, said last named means being operative to drive said vertical chains through a complete cycle to stop the pins carried thereby at the same point at the completion of each cycle and to drive said horizontal chains a substantially lesser distance.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,061,667 5/1913 Gerhard 89 2,378,217 6/1945 Hansen 9589 2,837,988 6/1958 Pavelle 95-'89 3,088,610 5/1963 Pianowski.

3,225,675 12/1965 Cross et al 9589 NORTON ANSHER, Primary Examiner.

F. L. BRAUN, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A CHEMICAL PROCESSING MACHINE COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF LONGITUDINALLY SPACED TANKS FOR CONTAINING CHEMICAL BATHS, HORIZONTAL TRANSFER MEANS FOR MOVING A PIECE HORIZONTALLY THROUGH EACH OF SAID TANKS, A PLURALITY OF VERTICAL TRANSFER MEANS FOR WITHDRAWING THE WORKPIECES FROM THE HORIZONTAL TRANSFER MEANS AND A RESPECTIVE TANK AND FOR INSERTING THE PIECES INTO THE NEXT ADJACENT TANK AND TRANSFERRING THE PIECES BACK TO THE HORIZONTAL TRANSFER MEANS, A SINGLE DRIVING MOTOR COUPLED TO SAID HORIZONTAL TRANSFER MEANS AND TO SAID VERTICAL TRANSFER MEANS FOR DRIVING SAID TRANSFER MEANS SIMULTANEOUSLY, AND CONTROL MEANS FOR INTERMITTENTLY OPERATING SAID DRIVING MOTOR FOR DRIVING SAID VERTICAL TRANSFER MEANS THROUGH A SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE CYCLE SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH DRIVING OF SAID HORIZONTAL TRANSFER MEANS. 